A license specifies the functionalities (options) that are enabled on a given ASA. It is represented by an activation key which is a 160-bit (5 32-bit words or 20 bytes) value. This value encodes the serial number (an 11 character string) and the enabled features. Below are the steps I followed to license Cisco ASA 5505
TestASA# show activation-key ?
detail Show activation-key details
| Output modifiers
TestASA# show activation-key
Serial Number: JxxxxxxxxV
Running Permanent Activation Key: 0x0xxxx 0x94xxxx 0xf0xxxx 0xaxxxx1c 0x4xxxx0How to Activate (License) Cisco ASA 5505
Now that you have the serial number and the current running activation key, enter this information on the licensing website
https://www.cisco.com/go/license
Note: After obtaining the license it should look this way.
TestASA(config)# activation-key 27xxxxxc 4cxxx 1xxxx44 exxxx44 8fxxx8
Validating activation key. This may take a few minutes.WARNING: AnyConnect Essentials license active. Basic VPN support is in effect. For specific details, please refer to Cisco AnyConnect VPN
Client Administrator Guide.
Both the Running and Flash permanent activation key was updated with the requested key and will become active after the next reload.
TestASA(config)#
TestASA(config)# wr
Building configuration…
Cryptochecksum: bxxxx5 ebxxxc6f f6xxxx0b fxxxxx2
9360 bytes copied in 1.130 secs (9360 bytes/sec)
[OK]
TestASA(config)# This platform has a Base license. The flash permanent activation key is the SAME as the running permanent key.
TestASA(config)# reload
Proceed with reload? [confirm]
TestASA(config)# I hope you found this blog post on How to Activate (License) Cisco ASA 5505 helpful. Please let me know in the comment session if you have any questions.